Category Archives: Australia

The annoying people of Gumtree

Posted on 30 January 2019 by andyq

I hate the idea of things going to landfill. And I love the idea of putting things in their right place. I’ve always been like that. My Mom composted before anyone else did. Before roadside recycling, my parents bundled up … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Australia, Getting Things Done, Home, How to live, Stuff | 1 Comment

Book Review: Matthew Mitcham’s Twists and Turns (autobiography)

Posted on 23 December 2018 by andyq

Twists and Turns by Matthew Mitcham My rating: 4 of 5 stars I haven’t seen the one-man shows that Mitcham has done, where he’s brought his stories from this book (and his life) to the stage, but I have the … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Book, Books, Gay Life, Review | Leave a comment

Melbourne Food Diary: Self Preservation, CBD

Posted on 28 September 2018 by andyq

The friends who brought us here had come for dinner and think the food is great! For dinner that is. While amused by the retro furnishings and feel (and formica top on the table), the food was just OK. My … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Cafe, Food n' Grog | Tagged | Leave a comment

Melbourne Food Diary: Bar Lourinhã, Little Collins Street

Posted on 27 September 2018 by andyq

What does one do if you’re Sydneysiders in Melbourne for the weekend? Eat and drink, I’d say (though we also loved the MOMA exhibit at the NGV). Bar Lourinhã was a superb choice for dining. It felt like Melbourne. Stylish … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, European, Food n' Grog, Modern Australian | Tagged | Leave a comment

Melbourne Food Diary: Meatball & Wine Bar, CBD

Posted on 25 September 2018 by andyq

Ermigod. Offering meatballs and wine, it was very unlikely that I would be disappointed by the Meatball & Wine Bar on Flinders Lane in Melbourne’s CBD. And I wasn’t. The menu is uncomplicated and appealing. We both decided to do … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Food n' Grog | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sydney Food Diary: Two Monsoons, Surry Hills

Posted on 19 September 2018 by andyq

Does Crown Street and Sydney need more Thai food? In the Mood for Thai always seemed popular, and I liked the mood and decor, so was surprised when it closed down to be replaced by another Thai restaurant. At first … Continue reading →

Posted in Asian, Australia, Food n' Grog, Review, Sydney | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sydney Food Diary: Blacksmith, Surry Hills

Posted on 5 September 2018 by andyq

I’ve mentioned it before in my blogs but I have great admiration for ANY restaurant in Sydney that has staying power. It’s a tough business, a tough market, and lots of work. Blacksmith in Surry Hills has staying power, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Cafe, Food n' Grog, Sydney | Leave a comment

Drinking in Sydney: Aged Saké Tasting at Ume Burger

Posted on 4 June 2018 by andyq

With intrepid friends D. and R., we managed to get in on a Sakenet Australia event, at Ume Burger, which focused on aged saké. Apparently, the first event was young sake, about a month ago. So, there were 13 of … Continue reading →

Posted in Asian, Australia, Food n' Grog, Sydney | Leave a comment

Coffee in Sydney: Artificer Specialty Coffee, Surry Hills

Posted on 25 February 2018 by andyq

Artificer is still going strong. There are no frills. There isn’t a lot of seating. But it’s obvious that the coffee is attracting the denizens of Surry Hills. It’s all about the quality. I get it though. When I last … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Cafe, Food n' Grog, Review, Sydney | Leave a comment

Sydney Food Diary: Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, Capitol Square, Chinatown

Posted on 23 December 2017 by andyq

It was imperative that I show my family (from Canada and Hawaii) what an Australian meat pie is, and more than that, I thought it duty-bound as an Australian (well, dual Australian-Canadian citizen) to encourage trying the “Tiger”, any pie … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Cafe, Food n' Grog, Sydney | Leave a comment